Statute of limitations to be reviewed

The Justice Ministry will set up a panel to review the statute of limitations for serious crimes, including a possible abolition.

"Given the bereaved families' feelings and progress in science, a review is necessary," Justice Minister Eisuke Mori said Friday.

The panel to be set up shortly is expected to compile a report by the end of March.

Some families of victims in unsolved murder cases are calling for an abolition, saying it is unfair for killers on the run to escape punishment after a certain period.

The statute of limitations for murder and other crimes punishable by death was extended from 15 to 25 years under the revised Criminal Procedure Law in 2005.(IHT/Asahi: January 17,2009)